Julie Matthews - Nourishing Hope for Autism: Nutrition and Diet Guide for Healing Our Children [Perfect Paperback]

Acknowledgements

I have been working on this book in one way or another for seven years. Every step of the way, information and people I needed seemed to unfold before me. In my opinion, a true sign of what was meant to be.

The angel Im most grateful for is Anita Kugelstadt, my editor, and the mom of a child with autism who offered me her editing services with nothing expected in returnsimply the desire to help other parents by helping me get this work out there. Anita made sure that the book was readable. She lent a critical eye that could ensure it was scientifically sound and referenced for accuracy for professionals interested in the science. But most importantly she shared her experience as a parenton this path for a whilewho was able to remember her first experience with all of this information, enabling me to provide clear answers to the questions asked by parents new to biomedical. She also ensured that I included information for non-responders and more complex situations, so that this book could help parents anywhere along the road new parents, children that responded quickly to simply interventions, and nuances for those who have been working with diet for years. Anitas perspective, knowledge, and hard work were helpful beyond words.

This heart and spirit of Anita, I see reflected in many. And I am so grateful for everyone who offered assistance. Trudy Scott, CN (Certified Nutritionist), my research assistant, spent many days helping gather crucial scientific references. Her knowledge of nutrition, project management ability and interest in the subject, were essential. She worked long, hard hours pulling the final pieces of this book together, and again, she asked for nothing in return. I could not have done it without her.

There were also several wonderful women who lent their passion and knowledge out of the kindness of their hearts. Kelli Pallett, who initially offered to edit for me, then later invited me to speak to parents in Toronto. Unknown friends responded to my email, offering to help me as I pulled together many more pieces of research. I genuinely appreciate their efforts. Thank you Marjie, Bonnie, Wendy, Cynthia, Kerry, and Nicole.

All of these women have demonstrated what I love so much about the autism communitywe are a family. We are all on the same team. We are here to support each other. The love, commitment, and strength of these mothers, fathers, and professionals are so powerful that I am often brought to tears. This is a labor of love for me.

I thank all of the parentsknown and unknown. You provide me strength in my own life to face the trials and tribulations that affect us all as humans through your unending hope, faith, and perseverance. Your knowledge is often greater than mineI am humbled by it, and I learn so much from you all.

Thank you to all the clinicians and scientists who have stood up for the truthoften at great risk to their own livelihood. You are true heroes.

Finally, to my husband, my greatest support, who believes in me more than I believe in myself at times. You have supported me physically and emotionally when the pressure felt too much. You encouraged me to follow my passion and do what I felt was right - regardless of what others said I should do. Your unconditional love has allowed me to become my complete self. With you by my side, I can create freely and share openly.

Though I do not have a child on the autism spectrum, I was drawn to help from the first day I learned the biochemistry of autism. Something in my heart told me this was right and I became driven to share so that others may benefit from applying nutrition and diet toward healing and wellness. My passion to continue learning stems from my commitment to seek answers and identify solutions.